Adelphe
Strategic, governance and business planning support to improve long-term financial sustainability
“Having someone to talk me through things really helped.
Having so many thoughts and ideas, its good having someone to help you articulate that.
Community Enterprise's support through Accelerate has empowered us to make decisions.”
- Adelphe
The challenge
Adelphe supports ethnic minority women across Fife, Edinburgh and West Lothian to navigate personal and professional challenges with confidence through coaching, mentoring and visibility. The group had been fortunate in receiving grant funding, but in order to strengthen their long-term sustainability they needed to diversify their funding streams by becoming more enterprising.
Whilst Adelphe had many ideas to increase their enterprise activity, they required additional support to refine and package these into viable offers.
In addition, the group had yet to secure a venue in West Lothian, one of its operating areas, and was looking to explore community asset transfer as a potential longer‑term solution.
How we helped
Through Accelerate, we worked alongside Adelphe to create a clear plan to long-term sustainability.
After reviewing their legal set-up, we provided support to help Adelphe transition from a single‑tier to a two‑tier SCIO.
We then worked with the group to explore a range of trading opportunities, identifying those that best aligned with the organisation's mission while making the most of its existing skills, expertise, and experience.
Additionally, we explored the options available for the group to secure a long-term base in West Lothian, and the advantages and disadvantages of a Community Asset transfer.
The result
Greater confidence around trading and growth
Increased income generation through new enterprise activity
Reduced dependence on grant funding
More women supported through sustainable services
Thanks to the support from Accelerate,
Adelphe has been able to move forward with greater clarity and confidence around trading and growth.
The organisation has developed tailored workshops and mentoring programmes for individuals and businesses, helping women build confidence, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.
This more enterprising approach has reduced Adelphe's reliance on short-term funding while remaining true to its mission, strengthening the organisation's long-term sustainability and enabling them to continue delivering their vital work.
Feeling inspired?
If you are part of a community group who is not yet trading
and would like free support to become more sustainable
and enterprising, check out our Accelerate programme.